Alex Hammond says she expects Dawn Approach to come out on top in the 'Duel on the Downs'
Alex looks forward to Glorious Goodwood
I'm off to Hickstead again next week to cover the Royal International Horse Show for Sky, so here's a quick heads up for Goodwood which takes place just down the road from the Sussex Showground next week.
I think Dawn Approach will win the 'duel on the downs' against Toronado in the
Sussex Stakes. It promises to be a real clash of the miling heavyweights but I think the selection will confirm the placings from Royal Ascot.
There wasn't much in it there and I know connections of the runner up felt they would have won if they hadn't suffered interference, but Dawn Approach possibly came out worse in that scrimmaging and now he's bounced back from his dismal Derby display he can win again.
It promises to be an outstanding race. I quite fancy the chances of Dance and Dance in the
Betfred Mile. I've followed this horse closely this season and I think a win isn't too far away.
I know it's a tough call in a race as competitive as this, but Ed Vaughan's charge ran better in the Bunbury Cup last time out (7f) and despite suffering interference finished a creditable fourth. He will be suited by the step back up to one mile and he isn't looking too badly handicapped nowadays.
The Stewards' Cup is another tough race to call, but Hoof It can run well for Lee Westwood in his bid to repeat his win in this two years ago. He was entitled to come on for his latest run at York as that was his first run since last June.
He has had operations to sort out his breathing since last season which connections seem to think have worked and he has acquitted himself well in group company since his last win (including at Group One level) too. He has plenty of weight, but again that isn't something that stopped him in 2011.
Have a great week's racing and you can follow my tip of the day over the next couple of weeks at
www.sportinglife.com/racing.
SELECTIONS
Goodwood
Dawn Approach in the Sussex Stakes
Dance and Dance in the Mile
Hoof It in the Stewards Cup (each way)
